PUBLIC Health England has renewed calls for students to have the Men ACWY vaccine - as death rates from meningitis continue to rise.

The vaccination programme was introduced in 2015 after a sharp rise in a particularly virulent strain of meningococcal W (Men W) disease, which can lead to death.

Figures show a year-on-year increase in cases of Men W across all age groups - from 22 cases in 2009/10 to 210 cases in 2015/16.

The total number of related deaths has also risen, with one in eight people with the Men W disease dying from the infection.

New students, especially freshers, are at a higher risk of meningococcal disease. They mix closely with large numbers of new people, some of whom will unknowingly be carrying the bacteria, without any signs or symptoms, enabling it to spread.

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Universities are encouraged to advise students to make sure they tell someone if they feel unwell, and to keep an eye on friends who are ill.Students are also urged to seek medical advice immediately if someone has concerning symptoms, or their condition appears to be getting worse.

Meningococcal disease can develop suddenly, usually as meningitis or septicaemia.

Early symptoms include severe diarrhoea and vomiting, headaches, muscle pain, fever, and cold hands and feet.

It can kill, or leave people with life-changing disabilities or health problems, like hearing loss, brain damage or the loss of a limb.

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Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE, said: "Many students will have been vaccinated before they left home for university and some will have got vaccinated by their new GP last term."However, for those who haven't, it is not too late. I would strongly urge them to go and see their GP to get vaccinated - it could save their life."

First year students remain at significantly greater risk than most young people from this deadly disease.

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PHE is calling for students to 'be alert to the symptoms'

What are the symptoms?

The MenACWY vaccination programme was introduced in 2015 in response to a large increase in infections caused by a highly aggressive strain of group W meningococcal bacteria (Men W).

The disease can develop suddenly and progress rapidly. Early symptoms include headache, vomiting, muscle pain, fever, and cold hands and feet.

Students should be alert to the signs and symptoms and should not wait for a rash to develop before seeking medical attention urgently. Students are also encouraged to look out for their friends, particularly if they go to their room unwell.

The vaccine not only protects those who are vaccinated, but also helps control the spread of the disease amongst the wider population. This is the second year the vaccine is being offered to this age group.

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Students are most at risk from the disease because they are exposed to new bacteria

Vinny Smith, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) said: “We welcome this new updated guidance from PHE which will help higher education institutions raise awareness of the MenACWY vaccine.

"Research funded by MRF helped identify that the MenW strain of meningitis was particularly deadly and on the increase, yet uptake of the lifesaving vaccine to protect against it is still too low.

"We will continue to encourage students to get their vaccine and to know the symptoms of this deadly disease, but universities and parents too can play a key role in making sure that eligible students get their free vaccine.”